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Published 6:30 am, Wednesday, July 10, 2013

BAD AXE — The state construction engineer for the roadwork project in downtown Bad Axe said a process has begun for city residents to file claims for sewage and water flooding of their basements.

Armando Lopez of the Michigan Department of Transportation office in Davison confirmed Wednesday afternoon that he met with city officials in the morning regarding the roadwork. Angry Bad Axe residents have reported thousands of dollars in damage to their homes and suspect the work on West Huron avenue may have something to do with it.

Lopez said there has been no determination that there has been an error in construction.

“There (were) seven inches of rain in less than two days,” Lopez said. “It’s hard to control that volume of water.”

Residents can file claims through the construction company, Pamar Enterprises of New Haven. Lopez said it is his understanding that the city would make claim forms available to residents today.

He said Mayor Jim Hicks and City Manager Dale VanDeVusse attended the meeting with him. But neither city official could be reached for comment by the Tribune on Wednesday. VanDeVusse is on vacation, and left immediately after the meeting.

“I discussed in detail the damage claims process,” Lopez said. “We forward them to the contractor. I’m not saying the contractor was at fault. ... But he has insurance and has bonds (that might cover the losses).”